Local orchestras join forces for In Sync concert Saturday

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Summit County's two orchestras come together for their annual In Sync performance Saturday, swelling the ranks of the combined symphony and making it possible to play symphonic masterworks created for a large orchestra."You have to have a massive orchestra to play these pieces," said Olivia Grover, spokesperson for the Breckenridge Music Festival orchestra. "It's the only time this summer to hear this kind of music played."The 45 members of the BMF orchestra play a summer concert series, including both chamber music and orchestral concerts, under the direction of principal conductor Gerhardt Zimmermann.The National Repertory Orchestra is made up of 89 young fellowship applicants who spend the summer building professional skills while performing two concerts each week under the direction of maestro Carl Topilow. "We work side by side so much," Grover said, "It makes sense to do a concert together."Saturday's program includes Igor Stravinsky's "Le Sacre du Printemps" ("The Rite of Spring") conducted by Topilow and Ottorino Respighi's "Fountains of Rome" and "Pines of Rome" conducted by Zimmermann."The Rite of Spring," according to Grover, is a favorite piece of both musicians and music lovers, herself included. When it first premiered as accompaniment to choreography by Martha Graham in the 1920s, people rioted against it in the streets because it was so different from what was usually heard and seen."The two together make for a powerful program," said Douglas Adams, NRO executive director. "They are by different composers and should make for an interesting contrast." Onstage, the musicians sit in a mixed setting, where NRO members are paired with BMF members to share a music stand. "Hopefully it's very inspiring to them," Grover said about the young musicians of the NRO, recalling a time when she played alongside professionals as a young cellist. "I think this is one of the highlights of our season and probably that of the Breckenridge Music Festival as well," Adams said.Summit Public Radio & TV returns as a sponsor and will host a reception before the concert. "July 28 promises to be a wonderful evening," SPRTV president Sue Green said. Tickets for the concert range from $25-$35 for adults and $10 for students to $7 for juniors. Call the Riverwalk Center Box Office at (970) 547-3100 or purchase tickets online at www.riverwalkcenter.com.The pre-concert reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes appetizers and a cash bar. To reserve a spot at the reception, email concert@sprtv.com.